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Here’s a rare and exceptionally well-preserved 1938 F-5, built in Kalamazoo, Michigan, during a period when mandolins were produced in very limited numbers. This instrument came from a particularly small batch (801-D) and is marked as #5. This is the highest documented number from the 801-D batch and is possibly the last instrument from that batch.

Condition is remarkably clean, with very little evidence of play wear—light finish checking, small dings, and minor pick marks. The gold-plated hardware shows only slight age-related wear. When this instrument was in the hands of RetroFret, they opted to have the neck reset by master luthier Dave Harvey; apparently, it was somewhat common for late-’30s F-5s to have a slightly underset neck.

Beyond being an exceptionally clean example of a period F-5, it also has a strong, fundamental voice which is the highlight of the instrument. Bright, lively projection with a crisp, authoritative chop. I’ve repeatedly seen it elicit an immediate, eyebrow-raising response from musicians—a true gem from the pre-war Gibson era.

Specs

• Nut width 1 3/32

• Nickel period correct fretwire

• Soft V neck profile

• Gold Waverly tuners with pearl buttons

• Original Gibson tailpiece

• Ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays

• Includes original case and a modern Calton

Please feel free to reach out with any questions!